Madrid Open 2025: Brandon Nakashima v Sebastian Ofner; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The action is underway this week on clay as the Madrid Open continues to offer high-octane tennis. On Friday, the R64 encounter will feature the rising American ATP star Brandon Nakashima. After failing to impress much on clay, in Monte Carlo and Barcelona earlier this month, the 23-year-old is set to go again in Madrid. He will kickstart his campaign against the Austrian player Sebastian Ofner. So who’s likely to have the last laugh? Let’s try and find out!

Brandon Nakashima v Sebastian Ofner: Preview

Brandon Nakashima’s 2025 season has been stable, if not extremely impressive. He started the year on a losing note after facing an early R16 exit in Adelaide against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. Then, down under, he got eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open, losing to compatriot Ben Shelton. He carried his lackluster form to Dallas, too, where he was ousted in R32. However, Nakashima bounced back in style at the Delray Beach Open, where he reached the QF before Matteo Arnaldi edged him out in straight sets.

The American then did one better in his next event. At the Mexican Open, he went on to enter the SF stage before losing to Czechia’s Tomas Machac. But after the Mexican Open, his form took a dip again. At the Indian Wells and the Miami Open, Nakashima faced back-to-back R16 exits.

However, he got back to rhythm at the US Men’s Clay Court Chapionshios in Houston where he made it to the semis before losing to compatriot Frances Tiafoe.

Sep 2, 2020; Flushing Meadows, New York, USA; Brandon Nakashima of the United States hits a forehand against Alexander Zverev of Germany (not pictured) on day three of the 2020 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

On clay, though, Nakashima’s form has been shaky again, as he has struggled to maintain consistency. At the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open, he was ousted in R64 and R32, respectively.

Now speaking of his opponent, the 28-year-old Austrian Sebastian Ofner has had a forgettable season to say the least. He’s hardly competed in Tour-level events lately, barring a few. Last month, he participated in the Murcia Open and faced a first-round exit. Belgium’s Kimmer Coppejans beat him, in R32, with a score line of 6-1, 6-7, 6-3. Since then, he has competed in challenger events in Girona, Menorca, and Madrid, losing in R8, R8, and R16, respectively.

Nakashima v Ofner: Head-to-Head

Nakashima and Ofner haven’t played against each other on the tour so far. The h2h tally currently stands at 0-0. Friday’s match will mark their maiden face-off on a professional level.

Prediction: Brandon Nakashima to win in straight sets

Brandon Nakashima has an edge over Sebastian Ofner in terms of the win-loss record this season. Although the win percentage is underwhelming (52.17 percent), he’s still managed to win 12 of his 23 encounters so far. Ofner’s hardly played on the Tour level this year, barring one event (Murcia Open) where he lost in the first round. Thus, his record stands at 0-1 in terms of tour-level matches.

Speaking of the history of these two players in the Madrid Open, Ofner has played the Madrid Open only once. Last season, he couldn’t go past R128, losing to the Argentinian Pedro Cachin (3-6, 3-6). Nakashima’s experience in Madrid is no different. His only campaign here came last year when he failed to go past the first round. Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis ousted him in R128 with a score line of 6-3, 7-6. So, both these players haven’t had a great time competing at this ATP 1000 Masters tournament.

But what about their playing styles? Nakashima is known for his strong serve and return strokes. He prefers to play from the baseline using flat shots. He also covers the court well while utilizing his two-handed backhand to build pressure on opponents. Ofner, on the other hand, also likes to dominate from the baseline. Combine that with his powerful serves, and he is a very well-skilled player. The 28-year-old also has a dominating two-handed backhand in his arsenal.

While they haven’t met each other on the tour so far, Nakashima is the favorite going into this face-off, thanks to having more game time under his belt on the Tour level recently. The prediction is for the American to win this match in straight sets and advance.

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